The New Orleans Pelicans (28-21) host the Toronto Raptors (17-32) at the Smooth King Center on Monday night. Luckily for the Pelicans, they will be the more rested team of the two. However, Toronto will be looking to make sure that their road trip does not go in vain.
This will be their fifth game on the road in a row, having last played OKC in overtime yesterday. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans last played the Spurs three days ago. Either way, neither side is currently at full health. Therefore this will likely be a night that is determined by bench play, more so than others.
However, based on recent play, it becomes easier to navigate how this game will play out. Especially with some of the current action on some of the lines!
New Orleans Pelicans vs Toronto Raptors Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -11 -110 |
O230.5 -108 |
-575 |
| Toronto Raptors | +11 -110 |
U230.5 -112 |
+425 |
| ** Odds Courtesy Of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
- Fixture: Toronto Raptors @ New Orleans Pelicans
- Date And Time: February 5, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA
Key Stats
New Orleans Pelicans (Averages)
Points: 116.4
Points Allowed: 112.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.8/87.9 for 48.7%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.0/31.9 for 37.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.9/24.7 for 76.3%
Rebounds: 11.0 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 44.5 Combined
Assists: 26.8
Steals: 8.1
Blocks: 4.7
Turnovers: 12.7
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 41.0/88.3 for 46.3%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.5/39.4 for 34.3%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.4/22.2 for 78.5%
Rebounds Against: 10.2 Offensive, 32.4 Defensive, 42.6 Combined
The New Orleans Pelicans had a rough stretch for a moment. However, after a 3-8 spell, they have since won two straight. Regardless, they will be looking to stay on the plus side of .500 and continue to push for a higher playoff seeding. Therefore, this game becomes important. Losing against a team with a losing record can come to haunt you later, especially if you are forced to take part in the play-in tournament.
January 29, 2019: Brandon Ingram posterizes Corey Brewer.
pic.twitter.com/dpVE1or0l8— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) January 30, 2024
However, Zion Williamson and Herb Jones are questionable. Because their status is unknown, a lot will fall on the shoulders of Brandon Ingram. But, even with him as the main option, the offense remains in capable hands. Regardless of whether Williamson can play tonight or not, this Pelicans squad has enough explosive power to make plays.
Toronto Raptors (Averages)
Points: 114.6
Points Allowed: 117.3
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.0/89.8 for 47.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.8/32.9 for 35.9
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.8/22.5 for 74.5%
Rebounds: 11.2 Offensive, 32.3 Defensive, 43.6 Combined
Assists: 29.5
Steals: 7.6
Blocks: 4.8
Turnovers: 12.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.1/9.4 for 48.8%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.1/34.8 for 37.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 16.1/20.0 for 80.5%
Rebounds Against: 10.6 Offensive, 33.4 Defensive, 44.0 Combined
The Toronto Raptors are in a rough stretch in their season. Also, they now are forced to face a New Orleans Pelicans team that looks to have turned a new leaf. Unfortunately for them, R.J. Barrett will be unavailable. Especially if Williamson plays, this spells trouble!
DENNIS SHRODER TUFF BUCKET FOR THE WIN 🔥💯 #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/UyAMpMLnLu
— Ball Brief (@BallBrief_) January 21, 2023
However, Scottie Barnes could have something close to a career night. Additionally, Dennis Schroder is someone who can have random scoring outbursts, so he is another player to monitor. But other than that, it’s hard to see this Raptors team hanging with any quality NBA team.
Game Prediction
Without Williamson, the Raptors can make it look better, but I still like the New Orleans Pelicans here. Barrett not playing has a bigger impact on this game than anyone else. He is someone who can help keep the scoring close, while also using his size to help on defense. Therefore, for a team that struggles anyway on that end of the floor, it’s not a good combination.
However, the line keeps rising if you want to pick New Orleans with the spread. Usually, I don’t like betting a heavy favorite that the public is on while giving up double-digits, but rules are made to be broken. Even if the Raptors keep it close at first, the home team will make it a point to put them away well before the game is over. Also, it’s easy to see a lot of points being scored here, particularly if the benches play increased minutes.
Final Pick
New Orleans Pelicans -11 and Over 230.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
